Brentford head coach Dean Smith believes David Button will be in for the toughest 45 minutes of his career, defending the Fulham goal in front of the Ealing Road end.

The former Bees stopper moved to the Whites in the summer and is fully aware of the furore around his departure from Griffin Park.

The former Tottenham youngster returns to his former stomping ground on Friday night and Smith expects him to be the target of the crowd.

“I suppose if he'd gone to another club (not in west London) he'd have got a clap at the start and end and not a lot between but I'm not sure he'll get that,” Smith said.

“I think there might be a bit of pressure behind that goal and I hope there is as well as we want to get as much of an advantage in the game as we can.”

Returning: David Button

He added: “It'll be a weird night for David as well having been here for a lot of games. I was disappointed he left but understand his reasons.

“We've got Daniel Bentley now. David is forging a good career for himself and good luck to him, except for when he plays us.”

The banter has already started with goalkeeper coach Simon Royce sending him text messages ahead of the game.

Smith revealed: “I think Roycey has sent him a couple of messages – sent him a picture of him on the dartboard – it was only in jest.

“He's a great lad and did brilliantly for me last season and while we're disappointed, we'll wish him well.”

Bentley has impressed after replacing Button and Smith is delighted with the former Southend man's performances so far.

He said: “They've both got different areas of expertise. They're both good shot stoppers and can handle the ball with their feet really well. We had to replace someone we relied on and we've done that with Dan.”